Wales have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years, the longest gap between participation in the competitions’ history.
The last time being in 1958 where they managed to get to the quarter finals. After managing to not only qualify for the last two European Championships but reaching the quarter-finals in 2016 and the round of 16 in 2020, Wales set about making it back to a World Cup. They took the long way round, having to qualify through the playoff round against a tough opposition in Ukraine.
A game that was made even tougher considering what was going on in Ukraine at the time and the fact that media and neutrals all over the world were hoping for a Ukraine win. The Ukrainian team performed admirably, with the occasion being far more than just a game for their players but a matter of national pride. They ended up losing in an agonising way after a Gareth Bale free-kick was diverted into the Ukraine goal by the head of one of their own.
Bale’s Long March
Wales, Golf, Madrid – went the famous flag draped over Bale’s shoulders after an important victory for his country. There had long been a feeling inside the Spanish media that Bale had always prioritised the Welsh national team over his club at the time, Real Madrid. Whilst he had shown up in some huge games for Madrid, scoring some huge goals in football’s biggest finals – it was probably a half truth.
It had been Gareth Bale’s dream to take his country to a World Cup, a dream that has been realised far closer to the end of his career than the start. He has hit heights with Wales that very few other Welsh stars have hit, at times carrying them single-handedly, scoring 40 goals in 108 games. Whenever Bale plays for Wales, magic seems to happen. Many of the betting sites found on gambling promo codes are tipping Wales for a surprise tournament and you can get some good value on the outsiders.
There had been some noise of fitness concerns over Bale after his transfer from Madrid to LAFC, with the forward making only two starts. The sight of him on the pitch in Saturday’s final with Philadelphia would have brought some relief to the Welsh faithful. Whenever Bale plays for Wales, magic seems to happen, he was, and still is Wales’s main man.
Controversy
Chris Coleman’s successful spell as Wales Manager ended after reaching the quarter finals of Euro 2016. After stepping down, he was replaced by another Welsh legend, Ryan Giggs. He had to step aside shortly after a domestic violence claim against him and a court case was set to overshadow Wales’ European campaign. He handed the reins over to his assistant Robert Page on a temporary basis which soon became permanent.
Page has done an excellent job since taking over, steadying a rocky ship and guiding the team to where no Welsh manager before him had been in 64 years.
Qatar
After drawing England, USA and Iran in Group B, Wales could be forgiven for feeling some hope. Whilst tougher opposition awaits them in the round of 16 should they make it, Wales will fancy their chances at qualifying for the latter stages. And why not? They have a strong history of reaching knockout rounds whenever they have reached a tournament .
This will no doubt be Bale’s only and last World Cup, if he can lead them out of the group stages, it will further cement him as perhaps the greatest Welsh national player of all time. The eyes of the country will be watching on November 21st when they take to the field against the States, who are on an upward swing themselves. Wales are an underdog but going off their recent history and the clear will and determination of this side, I wouldn’t bet against them making a run in the competition.
